Capillary Blood Collection With Rhythmic Suction and Container Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capillary blood collection methods are complex, prone to workflow variabilities leading to low sample quality issues such as hemolysis, micro-clots, and patient discomfort, and lack flexibility in accommodating different collection containers and anticoagulants.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, integrated capillary blood collection device that can lance, collect, and stabilize high volume samples up to 500 microliters, featuring a retractable lancing mechanism, cyclic squeezing for blood flow, and anticoagulant deposition, with options for integration with various collection containers and power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual finger squeezing is used to promote blood extraction, then blood flow is improved, but hemolysis increases due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical squeezing system with an automated pump system that delivers controlled, rhythmic suction. The pump applies negative pressure in a controlled manner rather than direct compression, eliminating hemolysis while maintaining blood flow. The system uses a motor-driven pump with controlled suction pressure and rhythmic timing to draw blood from the lancing site without excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the blood extraction function automatically after lancing, without requiring manual squeezing by the operator. The automated pump system self-regulates the suction pressure and timing, eliminating the need for operator skill and consistent manual technique while preventing hemolysis through controlled pressure application.
2Quantity of substance
If vacuum pressure is used to extract blood, then blood flow is improved, but sample quality deteriorates due to excessive pressure causing hemolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rhythmic, periodic suction rather than continuous vacuum pressure. The pump operates in cycles, applying negative pressure for a brief period then releasing, which allows blood to flow during suction phases while preventing hemolysis during release phases. This periodic action mimics natural blood flow patterns and maintains sample quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the suction pressure parameter to remain below the hemolysis threshold while maintaining adequate blood flow. The controller regulates pump operation to maintain negative pressure within a safe range, changing pressure parameters rhythmically rather than applying constant vacuum, thereby preserving sample quality.
3Productivity
If consistent pressure is applied during blood extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but tissue replenishment is prevented leading to reduced average blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rhythmic suction with alternating phases of pressure application and release. During suction phases, blood is efficiently extracted; during release phases, tissue has time to replenish blood supply. This periodic cycling maintains high average blood flow by preventing tissue depletion while preserving extraction efficiency through repeated suction cycles.
4Reliability
If multi-step blood collection process is used, then comprehensive sampling is achieved, but workflow complexity increases leading to variability and sample quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (lancing, blood extraction, sample collection, and anticoagulant mixing) into a single integrated automated workflow. The device performs lancing and immediately transitions to automated suction and collection without requiring separate manual steps for each function, reducing workflow complexity while maintaining sampling completeness through programmed sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs all blood collection steps without requiring manual intervention for each action. The device self-manages the transition from lancing to extraction to collection, eliminating operator skill variability and reducing workflow complexity while ensuring complete sampling through programmed sequences.
5Stability of the object's composition
If rigid collection containers are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different container types and anticoagulants is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal collection interface that can accommodate multiple container types and anticoagulant formulations. The system is designed to work with various rigid collection containers through a standardized interface while maintaining structural stability, allowing adaptability to different container configurations and anticoagulant types without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for obtaining a blood sample may include a holder for receiving a sample source, the holder having an actuation portion and a port; a blood collector attachment removably connected to the holder; and a collection container removably connected to the blood collector attachment, the container defining a collection cavity, wherein a collection container detachment member is provided between the blood collector attachment and the collection container to releasably attach the collection container to the blood collector attachment.